5 Stephen Hawking Quotes That Inspire You To Overcome Challenges

While Stephen Hawking shed light on previously unexplained aspects of the cosmos- thanks to his brilliant mind and ceaseless quest for truth, he was also a light of inspiration for millions around the world.

Since diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 1963- when he was just 21- Hawking has been living in the shadow of death. But the disease- or any of the subsequent tragedies including the loss of voice and being completely confined to a wheelchair, didn’t prevent him from pursuing a singular vision of understanding the universe.

We at Temenos deeply regret the loss of such an inspiring figure. But alongside his many discoveries and theories, he also left us words which would continue to inspire many to overcome their challenges and to pursue their vision.

Here, we list five of Hawking’s quotes.

“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change”

We define intelligence as many things- from an attribute that helps us be productive to an asset to flaunt, and everything in between. But Hawking’s definition of intelligence is as simple as it is profound. The ability to adapt to change, to not be stuck in the past, to approach the future with flexibility-that’s the truest form of intelligence.

“The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.”

We may carry within ourselves misconceptions about people or practices which could prevent us from entering into meaningful relationships or from trying something challenging. And a misconception is nothing but an illusion of knowledge which keeps us from reaching our true potential.

“I have noticed even people who claim everything is predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road.”

This quote perfectly illustrates that aside from a profound intellect, Stephen Hawking also possessed a terrific sense of humour. And the theme of this comical quote is the idea of everything being predestined. The idea Hawking promotes is that you are in control of your destiny, that you are the change agent in your life.

“We are just an advanced breed of monkeys on a minor planet of a very average star. But we can understand the Universe. That makes us something very special.”

This quote explicitly points at the fact that everyone is special. The logical extension of the concept is that everyone has the innate capability to explore and advance their own horizons, to transform into your better self.

“However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.”

Coming across obstacles is only part of life. But no matter how challenging life may look like at times, there’s always something you can do and succeed at. The terrible thing to do will be to deny yourself the chance to succeed at that one thing you are meant to do.

While Stephen Hawking provides unceasing inspiration for you to overcome challenges and reach your true potential, Temenos brings you proven methods by which the transformation can be achieved. To know more about Temenos events, please visit: https://www.visiontemenos.com/events